How To Travel The World Without Leaving Your Neighbourhood
International lockdowns are no match for our dreams to travel the world; we just have to use our imagination!
As the calendar changes to another month of uncertainty, especially travel uncertainty, many people are amping up the creativity and offering some amazing ways for us to scratch that travel itch.
Many of the best museums in the world were the first to create virtual tours, but if you want more info on them you can check our my previous post about 10 Profitable Things To Do When Your Stuck At Home. Soon after the museums we saw other entertainment companies follow suit, like Cirque du Soleil.
Personally, when I travel, I like to find a local experience that I can really immerse myself in. Often this involves unique festivals, tours, or sporting events.
Un-Pause Your Bucket List
How many of the following epic experiences are on your bucket list?
- Crossing the English Channel
- Driving the Great Ocean Road
- Driving Route 66
- The Camino de Santiago Pilgrimage
- Trekking the Inca Trail
- Hiking the Grand Canyon
- Exploring New Zealand’s South Island
- Running in a international marathon
Did you know all of these can now be done from the comfort of your own neighbourhood … virtually?
I Just Ran The Tokyo Marathon … In Toronto
Okay, full disclosure I did the 5km event (like seriously, I’ve been sitting at home for 3 months and in no shape to run a full marathon), but it was part of the Tokyo Marathon so it still counts! I’ve already submitted my results and received my finisher’s certificate. The medal and runner’s shirt are being mailed out tomorrow, so be sure to keep an eye on my social feeds because you know I’ll be posting them with pride!
I’m also currently 10.3km into my 33.8km crossing of the English Channel and 16.3km along my 239.8km trek of the Great Ocean Road. They come complete with virtual postcards of the places you “visit” along the way, a map to track your progress, Facebook Groups to connect with other challengers around the world, and sweet finisher’s medals (the real reason we’re doing it!).
It’s not only getting me outside and exercising (even though I walked the whole thing), but it’s been so much fun to virtually travel the world that I’ve got plans for a few more before the summer’s out.
How’s It Work?
There are a few organizations organizing these events, and many others like them. If you search “virtual runs” you’ll get a ton of results. The ones I chose were the ones that appeared to have great organization, added perks to feel like you’re really trekking the path you choose, and awesome medals for finishing each challenge.
All of the marathon events (5k, 10k, half and full marathon) are offered by Virtual Runners. There’s an event every 2 weeks, and all you have to do is track your run/walk and post a picture of your finish time/distance to their website. Many of these runs are still offering an early-bird rate, and you can use the code Friends2Join437 for 15% off.
The location challenge events are offered by Conqueror Virtual Challenges. You can start any time, and set your target finish date. A benefit of these events is that any exercise counts whether you walk, run, bike, or swim. Just connect your tracking app with their app and you’re on your way. Click the link above to receive 10% off your entry fee!
What will you be doing to scratch that itch to travel the world during an international lockdown? If these physical activities aren’t your thing, there’s plenty more to choose from, and I’d love to hear about your ideas in the comments below!
Was this helpful for you? If so, please share it with a friend who you think would get value!
Be sure to comment below and let me know how you’re going to keep travelling the world, even through a lockdown!
P.S. If you’d LOVE to start Your Own Blog with “Just 3 Clicks”, check THIS out!
Was this valuable for you? If so I’d really appreciate your comments below and shares on social media.
Resources
Here is a list of the resources mentioned in this post:
Virtual Runners – Offering virtual running events (5k, 10k, half and full marathon)
Conqueror Virtual Challenges – Location challenge events where any exercise counts whether you walk, run, bike, or swim
Freedom Seeker’s Passport – How to Create an Online Income, Experience Modern Travel, and Discover Life Without Reservations!
I’ve been doing a lot of virtual runs since the lockdown happened. They’ve been a great way to help keep me motivated and feel like I’m not stuck in the house.
Totally agree Colleen! They’ve been a great way to scratch my travel itch and stay active 🙂
I’ve taken advantage of a lot of virtual tours while being at home. It’s been a lot of fun and a nice change of pace.
Glad to hear that Ben! It’s amazing what we can do and see virtually this year
You are truly amazing writer, very useful information on traveling. Thanks for sharing
Thanks so much for stopping by!
That’s cool! I didn’t know about this. It’s amazing how many creative options there are to do things virtually – even travel lol!
Glad you’ve enjoyed hearing about this Charis! It’s pretty fun to travel virtually … at least until we can to the real thing again
My family has been doing a lot of virtual touring for the past several months. We have “visited” many places that we would never have been able to visit even without the pandemic. So it has been good for education. But we would also love to be visiting new places in person too!
Marie Phillips recently posted…Encouragement for Those Who Will be Homeschooling Through Covid-19
Such an apt post for current scenario, we have no option but to do a virtual tour!
Thanks so much!! At least we have good options like these to help 🙂
So glad to hear you’ve been taking advantage Marie! Hopefully you will visit some of those places in person
that’s so interesting. i love how creative everyone is getting with keeping their traditions and businesses alive. a virtual 5k from another country. crazy awesome.
I definitely share your excitement! The creativity right now is inspiring
I miss traveling so much! These virtual travels do for now. Hopefully next year i can go back to traveling again
So agree with you on that Paolo!
These are such awesome ideas! I love that you were able to participate in the Tokyo marathon! What a fun experience!
Kileen
cute & little
It was such fun! We tried explaining to others what we were doing, and they didn’t seem to get it lol
This is so wonderful. Doing something all virtual. It looks so much fun. Thanks for sharing.
You’re very welcome! I hope you take the chance to enjoy something virtually
This is amazing! I will recommend this to my friends who also love running and miss going places!
Yes!! They’ll definitely love this experience Lucy 🙂
Thank you so much for these tips! I’d love to be able to travel again!
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I’m with you on that, Toni! At least we can do this in the mean time …
Well, this is kind of cool. I guess something to hold the travellers over until we can get back into the swing of things?
Exactly Nkem! It’s not perfect, but it’s better than sitting at home 🙂
Running an international marathon…..that is my favourite way on your entire list. There is so much fun and people there!
For now we have to be okay with people in Fb groups, but it’ll definitely be nice to meet people in person next time
This is such a great time to explore your own city and the surrounding area! We often forget to enjoy the beauty of what’s in our own backyard.
So true Emily! It’s been so nice to explore our neighbourhood … even though we’re pretending to be in another country 🙂
Running an international marathon while on lock down? Amazing feat! You did a great job! Keep it up!
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Thanks so much!! 1 down, a few more to go 🙂
i love this. i miss traveling so this is such a great idea.
Happy to have helped, Katrina! Let me know which you choose to do
The idea of a virtual run to different bucket list destinations sounds pretty cool! I will have to check it out.
Definitely take a look Matt, I think you’ll love it!
I didn’t know about this! and just wow,m I want to run as many virtual marathons as I can hahaha, I am going crazy during this time at home!
It’s a great way to break up the day Kevin! And there are so many to choose from
People are starting to turn more to fitness, it seems, even if they didn’t at the beginning of this lockdown. I think traveling Route 66 by car could be nice.
That’s a roadtrip I definitely would like to do as well, but for now the virtual walk will have yo suffice 🙂
Oh how I wish we could still travel…it will probably be not until 2022 until we jet off again now…this is fab by the way x
Thanks Melanie! That definitely seems like more and more of a possibility, unfortunately.